Inside a studio.
The sky was just beginning to lighten, a group of carpenters and designers gathered around a table, staring intently, holding their breath.
On the table, there was a wooden object about a meter in height and width, shaped like a lotus, with petals tightly closed. After Ethan Scott flipped a switch, the closed petals slowly unfolded outward, like a sped-up version of a natural lotus bloom, visible to the naked eye.
Petals opened one by one, revealing the most perfect degree of bloom, and finally exposing the stamen nestled at the very center.
The onlookers collectively drew in a sharp breath at this scene.
Another press.
The petals began to fold inward layer by layer, as if in reverse, until they returned to their original state.
"It worked! It really worked!"
Professor Tavares exclaimed excitedly, eyes gleaming, as if he had just completed a national-level research project.
"I can't believe it actually worked, and in such a short time."
